Frequently Asked Covid Vaccine Clinic Questions
Question: How do I register to be notified of when the vaccine is available?
Go to the town of Brookfield website and follow the coronavirus link HERE. Click on the link, fill out the form and submit. Please only one person per form. Fill out a separate form for each eligible person in your household. EACH PERSON MUST HAVE A UNIQUE EMAIL.
Question: How can I confirm that I am registered?
If you have submitted your information using the link and received the confirmation response you ARE registered. You do not need to call town hall to confirm. Currently, we are overwhelmed with calls.
Question: Who should register with the town for vaccine notification at this time?
Answer: Brookfield residents age 65 and older, as well as those who have been deemed immune-compromised by their physician. Residents from other towns who complete the form will not receive notifications or links to VAMS appointments from the Town of Brookfield.
Immune-compromised conditions (based on the Advisory Board to the CT Department of Public Health) include: COVID-19 Vaccine in Connecticut: Main Portal
- Cancer and undergoing treatments
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- COPD
- Heart Conditions – cardiomyopathies, heart failure, coronary artery disease
- Immune compromised due to solid organ transplant
- Obesity – BMI >30 but <40 and Severe obesity BMI >40.
- Pregnancy
- Former or current smoker with 1 or more other underlying conditions.
- Diabetes Type I and II with one or more underlying conditions.
Question: When can I expect to be notified of vaccine appointment registration?
Answer: Once you have registered on the town website, watch for an email from CDC- VAMS (Vaccine Administration Management System). This email will notify you and include a LINK for you to provide personal information and schedule your appointment for your vaccine. The Town of Brookfield website will be updated on a regular basis, as more information becomes available to us.
Question: How will I know when it is my turn to get vaccinated?
Answer: The Town of Brookfield follows the recommendations of the Advisory Board to the CT Department of Public Health. They will notify us as each phase is announced. We will in turn, post any updates on our town website at www.BrookfieldCT.gov. To stay informed, please continue to check our website on a regular basis!
Question: I don’t have computer/email access. How will I register?
Answer: We recommend you ask a neighbor or family member to assist you as you will need an email address to register with the VAMS system. That is the quickest and easiest way to secure an appointment.
Question: When and Where will vaccine clinics be held?
Answer: The Town of Brookfield is currently hosting a limited number of weekly appointments at the Brookfield Senior Center. We anticipate that when more vaccine becomes available our clinics will move to St. Joseph’s School in Brookfield.
Question: I do not drive/have transportation. How do I get to the clinic?
Answer: The town of Brookfield is not currently able to provide transportation to vaccination events. We recommend you rely on your normal modes of transportation and ask a neighbor or friend for assistance. The SweetHART Bus (203) 744-4070 or https://hartransit.com/sweethart-0 can also provide transportation but you will need to be registered with them. Complete your application with them today so you are ready.
Question: I am a caregiver for an immune-compromised family member. Can I get the vaccine?
Answer: We do not yet have an answer to this question; please continue checking this website on a regular basis for up to date and factually correct information.
Question: I am not a resident of Brookfield. Can I get vaccinated in Brookfield?
Answer: The town of Brookfield can only register qualified Brookfield residents in the VAMS Portal. Once we schedule a vaccine clinic in VAMS, our event location for vaccinations is open to anyone from any town who has made an appointment through the VAMS portal. Likewise residents of Brookfield can search for appointments in other surrounding towns.
Question: How will I know what vaccine I will receive if I attend a Brookfield Health Department Vaccine Clinic?
Answer: The two vaccines currently approved by the FDA for emergency use are the Moderna Vaccine and the Pfizer Vaccine. This may change as many pharmaceutical companies are working towards a solution to the Covid19 virus. It is highly likely that a community sponsored or town clinic will only have the capacity to offer the Moderna Vaccine as this vaccine can be stored under normal refrigeration and freezer capacity. The Pfizer vaccine must be stored at such below freezing temperatures that only large hospital systems will have the storage capacity for that vaccine. At the time of your appointment no matter which vaccine clinic you choose; you will be given fact sheets also called a EUA (emergency use authorization) about the vaccine you will be receiving, and everyone will receive a vaccination card. You can also read up on the vaccines by going to the visiting this link on the CDC website: COVID-19 Vaccination | CDC.
Question: How many doses of the vaccine do I make an appointment for?
Both the Moderna Vaccine and the Pfizer Vaccine will require that you get 2 doses. The Moderna Vaccine requires a second dose after 28 days, the Pfizer vaccine after 21 days. When you receive the CDC VAMS link to schedule an appointment, you will only schedule for the first dose. After you receive the first dose, you will be notified to schedule an appointment for the second dose. Your second dose of the vaccine must be the same vaccine name as your first dose. For example, if I received Moderna for my first dose, my second dose must also be Moderna.
Question: What if I have already had the Covid19 virus, should I still get the vaccine?
Because COVID-19 is still a novel virus, experts are still not sure how long an individual’s natural immunity to the virus will last. Therefore, people who have had COVID-19 may be advised to receive the vaccine. Speak to your physician and medical professionals for their recommendations.
What are the side effects of the vaccine?
Common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine include pain and swelling where you got the shot, fever, chills, tiredness, and/or headache. They should go away within a few days. If redness or tenderness persists over 24 hours, or your side effects are worrying, call your doctor.
Reduce pain and discomfort by applying a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area and use/exercise your arm.
Reduce discomfort from fever: drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly.
What if I am unable to find an appointment in VAMS for the 2nd dose of the vaccine I received?
Pfizer: The best timing between the 1st and 2nd doses of the Pfizer vaccine is 21 days but no earlier than 17 days. Even if your second dose is later than the ideal time of 21 days, it is recommended that you still get the 2nd dose of the vaccine. You do not need to start over. Your second dose must be the same as the 1st.
Moderna: There is no maximum interval between the first and second dose. The time between the 2 doses should not be less than 28 days. Both doses should be Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The safety and efficacy of a mixed-product series have not been evaluated. Both doses of the series should be completed with the same product.
2nd dose appointments: If you are unable to find an appointment for the 2nd dose right away, keep checking as Covid19 vaccine clinics are just starting to get up and running. Many more vaccine clinics will be added as vaccine supplies come into the state.
VAMS will keep reminding you about making an appointment for your second dose until you schedule and receive it.
Will I receive a call about the vaccine?
If the town of Brookfield needs to contact you about vaccination clinics, you will be called from a town telephone number. Please read the enclosed information sheet on Covid related scams from the State of CT. (attached below)